Dietitians to offer grocery shopper advice on nutrition

SYDNEY — When you’re in the grocery store this month, don’t be surprised if you bump into a dietitian.

March is National Nutrition Month and across Cape Breton, dietitians will be joining the national campaign to promote this year’s theme, “Best Food Forward: Plan Shop Cook Enjoy!”

“Starting (today), dietitians will be available in grocery stores across the district, through the HEAL Cape Breton, Ask a Dietitian program,” says Michelle Plumridge, public health nutritionist with the district. “Dietitians will be in grocery stores offering consumers nutrition advice on what they are about to buy. We will be there to help people make informed food choices for their health. This starts with what food they buy at the grocery store.”

Canadians may think they are eating well but research shows otherwise.

“Canadians struggle with making healthier food choices in the grocery store because they are faced with so many choices,” says Shirley MacDonald, dietetic intern.

Some of the tips and advice that dietitians will be offering at the grocery stores include understanding nutrition labels, food budgeting tips, healthy snack ideas and choosing fresh foods to cook from scratch as an alternative to processed foods.